MARGAO
In a bid to address the burning garbage problem staring at the commercial capital, the Margao Municipal Council has finally e-tendered two bio-methanation plants, with each of the plants costing around Rs 2.39 crore.
Take note, the MMC has tendered the two plants as part of a pilot project to resolve the waste issue via the bio-methanation technology as per the approval sanctioned by the Director of Municipal Administrator, Dr Tariq Thomas. The fate of the seven bio-methanation plants approved by the Goa Forward-backed Margao Municipal Council just before the five-year ended in November, remains unknown, with sources only saying the preliminary estimate prepared by the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) in this respect is being submitted to the DMA’s office for further action.
While the Margao Municipal Council has set in motion the e-tendering process to set up the two bio-methanation plants, prospective bidders have time till January 5 to participate in the e-tender.
Margao Municipal Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes told The Goan that though the Director of Municipal Administration has granted approvals to set up three bio-methanation plants, it has been decided to set up two such plants on a pilot basis.
“Given that the bio-methanation technology is relatively new, and the cost also on a higher side, it has been decided to test its efficacy by going in for only two such plants on pilot basis,” the Chief Officer said, adding that the MMC has plans to set up the plants in the SGPDA market complex and at Sonsodo.
To a question, the Chief Officer said the MMC plans to complete the e-tendering process as early as possible so that the plants take shape at the earliest.
To another question, the Chief Officer said around 2-3 Municipal bodies have opted for the bio-methanation technology, adding that the project has found favour with the Director of Municipal Administration.
Asked to shed light on the fate of the seven bio-methanation plants approved by the outgoing Goa Forward-backed Margao Municipal Council, the Chief Officer said the preliminary estimates, pegged at around Rs 43 crore, prepared by the GWMC has been sent to the DMA’s office for information and necessary action. “Since the GWMC had only prepared the preliminary estimates, the DMA’s office has been asked to guide the civic body how to go about with the matter.
Meanwhile, since the MMC was grappling with the garbage woes at Sonsodo, it was decided to e-tender the two-methanation plants, which had already received the approval from the DMA, he said.
The Chief Officer further informed that the MMC has decided to avail of a government-sponsored scheme wherein bio-gas units are installed in housing societies. “We have decided to go in for two such bio-gas units, one each in Margao and Fatorda,” he said adding that the two units will be implemented in the city on a pilot basis.
